Penn State was justified in its decision to fire coach James Franklin . Though the Nittany Lions' precipitous fall midway through the 2025 season catalyzed the move, discontent had been brewing for a while due to Franklin's persistent inability to deliver in big moments.

At the same time, Penn State may have also put itself in some rather rough waters with its decision to fire Franklin. Not only are the Nittany Lions on the hook for one of the largest buyouts in college football history -- unless another school hires Franklin which is, admittedly, likely -- but a lot of their top options to fill the vacancy are looking like busts.

Take Nebraska's Matt Rhule, for example. He played linebacker at Penn State. He got his coaching career started as a volunteer assistant at Penn S

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